America 250 Lake Charles Itinerary

Southwest Louisiana is home to several water parks and water activities. Choose your home base and explore restaurants and activities in the area or hop around to experience the most of the destination.

Breakfast Options in Southwest Louisiana

Start your morning with breakfast at your hotel or start your day with a delicious spread from a local restaurant. In Westlake you can choose from several donut shops like Dino’s Donuts or dine in at Waffle House near the Lazy Gator Waterpark. In Sulphur you can grab a breakfast burrito from Maplewood Burgers or pastries and coffee from The Village Coffeehouse.

Popular Lake Charles breakfast spots include Biscuits n Jamz for delicious creations like stuffed French toast and homemade jams, Southern Spice for fluffy biscuits and delicious breakfast potatoes, and Big Daddy’s Sports Bar and Grill for their first base breakfast─two eggs served with grits, hash browns or tots, a biscuit or toast, and your choice of meat.

Waterparks and Pools in Southwest Louisiana

Home to the longest lazy river in Louisiana, Lazy Gator Waterpark also features four water slides, a splash pad, and dedicated play space for water volleyball and basketball. Concessions are sold on site and can be enjoyed beneath the covered pavilion.

The SPAR Waterpark boasts multiple water slides of varying thrill levels, two lazy rivers, and Parrot Island, a mini waterpark with additional slides, water guns, hoses and buckets dumping hundreds of gallons of water every few minutes.

Head to Yogi Bear Jellystone Park for an exciting Wibit obstacle course, kayaks and water bikes, a splash pad, and four separate pools. In between swimming bouts, guests can play mini golf, jump on the giant jumping pillow, mine for gems, and catch special appearances from the Yogi Bear characters.

For a more laidback experience head to Lucky Lagoon where you can relax on the beach, in the water, or on the water with rentable floating cabanas and watercraft. Almosta Lake offers a similar experience where you can frolic with farm animals, kayak, or zipline into the water.

Guests staying at Golden Nugget can experience waterpark style fun at the H20 Pool+Bar equipped with a waterslide, lazy river and swim-up bar. Non-hotel guests can join the fun by renting a cabana for up to eight people or a daybed for up to four people.

L’Auberge Casino Resort guests can enjoy water fun at their tropical pool area which also includes a lazy river and swim-up bar. Families can enjoy the family pool adjacent to the lazy river, while the 21+ crowd can opt for a more secluded experience with bar service at the adult pool area. Non-hotel guests can purchase day passes access to the pool areas.

Casual Dinner Options in Southwest Louisiana

After a long day in the water, you deserve to kick back with a delicious meal and refreshing drinks inspired by the 4th of July and America250. Enjoy sports bar fare with a Cajun twist and a great view overlooking the National Golf Club at The Max in Westlake. 

For Cajun cuisine like boudin, cracklins, and smoked meats visit Rabideaux’s Sausage Kitchen or In-Laws in Moss Bluff and Iowa. In addition to Cajun cuisine like shrimp étouffée and seafood pasta, Cajun Charlie's Seafood Restaurant in Sulphur also offers a buffet.

Indulge in legendary poboys from Darrell's Famous Poboys and Coolers Icehouse. Creole favorites like red beans and rice and beef tips smothered in gravy from Leonard’s Food Quarters are a must. The Terrace Restaurant features award-winning dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and if you’re up for it, head inside to experience the VR Omni Verse, rock climbing wall, ropes course and air park at Lake Area Adventures.

Downtown Lake Charles is a bustling area packed with delicious restaurants, charming boutiques and shops, museums and galleries as well as a prime location for festivals and events. From Red, White, Blue and You! to Light up the Lakefront Christmas Celebration, it’s easy to spend the day strolling from block to block admiring the beautiful architecture, colorful murals, and historic monuments before the festival activities begin.

Breakfast options in Downtown Lake Charles

Start your day with breakfast at Pujo St. Café. Savor hearty items like the Monte Cristo and shrimp and grits or indulge in their light and fluffy beignets. For beignets in a more casual setting hop into Stellar Beans Coffee House & Edibles, an intergalactic themed café known for their interstellar mural, a gallery wall spotlighting local artists and delicious coffee.

Museums and More in and Around Downtown Lake Charles

Next, explore museums and galleries in the downtown area. First visit Historic City Hall, a three-story monument home to the Black Heritage Gallery and Gallery by the Lake. The Black Heritage Gallery features rotating exhibits by local artists and nationally known artists of color. Gallery by the Lake is a permanent gallery space for local artists specializing in a range of mediums. Depending on the day you visit, you may be able to catch an opening reception for an exhibit, an art class led by an experienced instructor, a concert, or a farmers market!

After exploring Historic City Hall walk or drive over to Alexander Art Studio. Here you’ll find paintings, prints, jewelry, and houseware incorporated with fleur de lis, Jean Lafitte pistols, religious symbolism, and popular Louisiana elements. Within walking distance is the DPR Gallery, a creative space with rotating exhibits and home to Papersmith Co., a boutique selling personalized stationery, décor, and candles.

Want to explore more museums? Head over to the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu to uncover the history behind Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras, costumes, and pageantry. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum houses two gallery spaces, a permanent collection of Native American artifacts, and is home to the historic Sallier Oak.

Outside of Lake Charles, the Henning Cultural Museum, a two-story space located in The Grove at Heritage Square in Sulphur is a cultural hub for artists to create and connect. DeQuincy is home to the DeQuincy Railroad Museum, a time capsule detailing the deep railroad history of the region.

Lunch Options in Downtown Lake Charles

Choose from several lunch spots in downtown Lake Charles. For quick and casual head to Cotten’s Downtown for juicy burgers and crispy onion rings or Bux Kajun Korner for a rotation of plate lunches. If you plan to sit back for a while, pull up a chair at Luna’s Bar and Grill Downtown known for their award-winning Luna Tuna or Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp, blending tex-mex style cuisine with Cajun flavor.

For an upscale vibe visit Crying Eagle Brewing-Lakefront. Choose from a variety of beers on tap and three separate dining spaces with sweeping views of the lakefront. Beginning at noon guests can join in outdoor activities on the green space and will have access to complimentary shuttles from Crying Eagle to Downtown Lake Charles where the patriotic events are held.

Red, White, Blue and You! 4th of July Festival

The festival fun begins at 2 PM at the Arcade Amphitheatre. Guests can watch or participate in a hot dog eating competition, compete in Olympic style games, and kick back to the patriotic sounds of local bands. Throughout the day food trucks will line the area offering a variety of delicious options to choose from.

At 4 PM head to the Bord du Lac Park & Marina for an America250 style boat parade along the lakefront, followed by an Armed Forces salute and an evening concert leading up to a colorful fireworks display over the lake.

The party doesn’t end after the fireworks! Before heading in for the night, experience the Lake Charles nightlife at No Boundaries, a nightclub in the heart of Downtown Lake Charles or Panorama Music House for a cocktail. While you’re there enjoy live entertainment and delicious appetizers great for enjoying solo or sharing with friends as you toast to the finale of an exciting celebration.
 

After two action packed days of water parks, museums, shopping, and fireworks, use your last day to unwind and unplug.

Breakfast/Brunch in Southwest Louisiana

Ease into your day with breakfast at Coffee:30 Café. Choose from expansive menu with items like sweet and savory beignets, southern chicken biscuits, and oversized pancakes paired with gourmet coffee or mimosas. Step into the retro dining room at KD’s Diner for hearty breakfast platters and old school charm.

Afternoon Outdoor Activities in Southwest Louisiana

If alligators, marshlands filled with wildflowers and wildlife, and miles of natural beaches pique your interest, then the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is a must-visit attraction. This nationally recognized scenic byway brings travelers face to face with Louisiana’s outback. 

Capture beautiful nature photography, spot sunbathing alligators, or collect shells along the Gulf beaches. Bring your fishing gear or remove the guesswork and hire a professional guide service to bring you right where the fish are biting.

Sam Houston Jones State Park is a serene escape just outside of city limits. Choose from three hiking trails to explore the grounds on foot or pack your bicycle for a ride through the park. Because of its prime location just north of one of the most productive birding regions, it’s a great place for birding. 

Located along the west fork of the Calcasieu River, water activities are a natural highlight at the state park. Fish from the pier or hit the water by boat or kayak. Bayou Adventure offers a self-serve kayak rental kiosk and Bayou Glamping Co. can deliver kayaks.

After your outdoor exploration head to Grounded in Nature for everything from succulents and indoor plants to garden décor and jewelry. Creative Roots has an event calendar packed with whimsical classes. Browse their herb wall and create your own custom blend as a souvenir.

Upscale Dining in Southwest Louisiana

Treat yourself to an evening of elegance at an upscale restaurant in Southwest Louisiana. From fine wines and creative cocktails to carefully curated menus featuring the freshest ingredients, explore fine dining restaurants in Southwest Louisiana.

The Villa Harlequin located in the historic Noble building in Downtown Lake Charles, serves Italian inspired dishes complemented by an exquisite wine selection. Dishes crafted with French elegance and Southern charm await at Augustine. Mazen’s offers a blend of traditional Mediterranean menu items with Cajun and Creole flair.

For an intimate atmosphere with an upscale piano bar, visit Ember Grille & Wine Bar located in L’Auberge Casino Resort. Chart House features stunning sunset views of the Country Club Golf Course and the lake, with an outdoor patio area great for enjoying cocktails. 

Savor the award-winning Beef Wellington at Gordon Ramsay Steak. Top of a delicious meal with a decadent lava cake and sweeping racetrack views at the Rosewater Grill & Tavern. After dinner enjoy one more evening of excitement on the casino floor.